Joint US-Sino efforts only way to develop 'healthy and stable military' ties, says China

Beijing, Jan 10 (ANI): Chinese Defence Minister Liang Guanglie has reportedly reminded his US visiting counterpart Robert Gates that a joint effort is a must to resolve disagreements, and develop healthy and stable military ties between the two nations.

"The Sino-U.S. military relationship has new opportunities for development. It also faces challenges," Xinhua quoted Liang, as saying while receiving Gates at the headquarters of China's Central Miliary Commission.

Gates is reportedly the third U.S. Defence Secretary to visit China twice while in office since the two nations normalized diplomatic ties in 1979.

Liang praised Gates' efforts of implementing the consensus reached by the two nations' Presidents, and promoting military exchange between the two sides.

Gates said the two Presidents believe that military-to-military relations are important, adding that he would do his level best to ensure the objectives of the military-to-military relationship are achieved.

"There are many areas where we have mutual interests and can work together," Gates said, adding that disagreements are best dealt with through dialogue and transparency.

Gates arrived in the Chinese capital Sunday evening. His visit to China was postponed after the Pentagon decided to sell a nearly 6.4 billion US dollar arms package to Taiwan in January 2010. (ANI)